It must be very difficult to cast the
role of Cinderella because I’ve never seen a good one. Barrymore is no
exception. She is remarkably wrong for this rewritten role as a thinking,
outspoken young woman named Danielle. The prince is better. He’s just handsome
enough, he longs for freedom and helps hopeless wayfarers, one of whom just
happens to be Leonardo da Vinci.

It’s an altogether livelier version of
the fairy tale with a touch of class struggle and feminism. One of the sisters
is a loser and therefore quite likeable. The wicked step-mother in Huston’s
interpretation is not so much wicked as self-centred, grasping and pitiful, but
she overdoes the arched eyebrow and insinuating glances.

It’s an enjoyable and intelligent version
of Cinderella with some complex and credible characters. And what a clever
ending with Leonardo saving the day. No fairy godmother necessary!